Province appointing independent mediator for Gander labour dispute

Employees with D-J Composites, members of Unifor 597, in Gander have been locked out since last December. SaltWire Network file photo

Employees of D-J Composites have been locked out since last December

Advanced Education, Skills and Labour Minister Al Hawkins announced on Friday an independent mediator will be appointed to help resolve the labour dispute between D-J Composites and the company’s employees in Gander.

The employees, who are members of Unifor Local 597, have been locked out since last December.

According to a news release from the department Friday, D-J Composites and Unifor have been notified of the decision.

“The appointment of an independent mediator will bring a fresh perspective to the collective bargaining process,” Hawkins said.

“I urge the parties to avail of this opportunity and to make a determined and honest effort to bring an end to this dispute.”

Hawkins has met separately with both parties to discuss potential ways to end the lockout, the release added.